Hodgson boosted by youngsters

England boss Roy Hodgson has admitted choosing a World Cup squad now would give him a "major headache", such is his pleasure at the number of homegrown youngsters making their mark in the Barclays Premier League.

PUBLISHED: 21:47, Wed, Dec 25, 2013

Roy Hodgson says 'if I had to pick a team for the World Cup today it would be a major headache' [PA]

Tottenham winger Andros Townsend, West Ham midfielder Ravel Morrison and West Brom striker Saido Berahino are just three emerging talents to have won plaudits for their performances this season.

That is a boost for Hodgson, who may opt for fresh faces when England play Denmark in March at Wembley, ahead of next summer's World Cup.

"At the moment, I've seen a lot of our England players and contenders for England places playing extremely well. I wish I could bottle up some of the form and keep it," Hodgson told Sky Sports News.

"It's quite fascinating at the moment going to games, the number of players getting games, especially some of the youngsters, is good.

"There are a lot of teams fielding English players in their line-up at the moment and I'm seeing a lot of good performances.

"If I had to pick a team for the World Cup today it would be a major headache."